A fans perspectives

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Youth will be served

The headline refers to a proverb stating, “Younger generations deserve opportunities, recognition, and the chance to take over responsibilities from older generations.” This sentiment is particularly relevant in the context of government, education plus sports which includes the NBA. While the current focus remains on established stars such as LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and others, it is evident that their era is nearing its conclusion. These players have provided fans with remarkable performances throughout their careers, but the emergence of new talent signifies an impending transition. Although there is no immediate requirement for veterans like LeBron, Steph, KD, or Kawhi Leonard to retire, the next generation is preparing to assume leadership roles within the league. Early indications suggest that these young athletes are well-equipped to meet the challenges ahead.

A firestorm continues to grow

Generally the chief complaint regarding college players is simple, “He can’t play at this level” or “He’s not that good.” Neither of those statements apply to combo guard Darryn Peterson at Kansas. Instead the common complaint heard is the number of games he’s missed due to illness or injury. Maybe several of you reading this account are also upset with Peterson due to his lack of play this season in a number of scheduled games. Kansas has played 26 games so far this season, Peterson has seen action in 15, in several games he played the first half and not the second.

Unofficially Peterson leads the Jayhawks in scoring and is shooting nearly 49% from the floor and is a blistering 43% from three. The basis for me using the term unofficially is based on the number of games he’s played as this is written. The portion of his game that cannot be detailed here is his defense, although stats indicate Peterson has 18 steals which ties him for third on the team. Can he play at the next level…most likely. NBA Mock Draft sites provide us a clue of the selection process that occurs in June. For the most part the first 10 or so picks in these mocks are close to the actual. I have been monitoring four mocks since the college basketball season started, Peterson remains at the top or first pick for all four mock draft sites.

The chief drawback which I believe causes the most concerns for fans is the $$$, Peterson is being paid huge sums of NIL money and there are a legion of fans who believe “We are not receiving our money’s worth.” Please inform me, at what point is money not a concern for most people. As I continue to state we don’t know the future, at the same time consider this possibility. June 2026, commissioner Adam Silver in front of the mic; “With the first pick in the 2026 NBA draft the ______________ select Darryn Peterson from the University of Kansas.”

He’s returning next season

LeBron James by all indications is non-committal at this writing about whether he returns next season. We are aware who is coming back, that would be the Warriors Stephen Curry. Suffering a leg injury he was a non-participant in activities at the weekend NBA All Star game. After witnessing Dame Lillard win the 3-point shooting contest Curry made the announcement he would be a 2027 participant. In addition Curry indicated he would attempt to persuade former teammate Klay Thompson to take part as well. At the break, the Warriors stand 29-26 and are in third place in the Pacific Division.

I don’t have the complete story of Jonathan Kuminga and his issues with the Warriors. They have now traded the distraction that Kuminga would become to the Hawks on February 2. The team acquired Kristaps Porzingis, at 7-foot 3 he provides some badly needed height for the Warriors. The only downside, Porzingis has been in and out of the lineup of previous teams he’s played for due to injury and illness. Back to Curry for a few additional notes, despite the Warriors not playing as well as some believed that’s not him. He’s actually scoring three points above his career number, his shooting from three has dipped slightly but certainly not to a point of concern. Regardless of being sidelined Curry appears ready to compete for the balance of this season into next.

I’m answering the question

Recently you read about Blue Blood basketball programs, I questioned whether the term still applies today. Well despite my reservations I am going to use the term anyway and apply it to the UConn Huskies for several reasons. Former coach Jim Calhoun (1986-2012) placed UConn basketball on the minds of us all, we had no idea where Storrs Connecticut was located. During his tenure we became acquainted with the coach, the school and Storrs. Calhoun’s teams won close to 1000 games (920) while losing only 397, during his career he won three NCAA championships (1999, 2004 and 2011). Prior to his retirement Calhoun was enshrined in the Naismith Hall of Fame in 2005, the very next year the College Basketball Hall of Fame.

This is but a thumbnail sketch of the coach who laid out the plan. Former UConn player Kevin Ollie took over the program and guided the school to the 2014 championship prior to his departure in 2018. Dan Hurley was hired in 2018 and the fiery coach led the Huskies to a rare accomplishment, back to back championships in 2023 and 2024. How I am able to qualify UConn as a Blue Blood program…its simple winning championships. Currently UConn is behind UCLA (11), Kentucky (8) and tied with North Carolina’s 6 championships, UConn is ahead of Blue Blood basketball programs Indiana and Kansas. That’s it, someone could argue with my supposition, that’s okay however they are not going to convince me UConn doesn’t belong in the same conversation with the others.